The Dare County Schools Board of Education met Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Manteo. Pictured are five of its seven members (l-r): Vice Chairman Carl Woody, Chairman David Twiddy, Susan Bothwell, Barry Wickre and Matt Brauer. (Photo by Corinne Saunders)
By Corinne Saunders
MANTEO — The Dare County Schools Board of Education in a 5-2 vote Monday night authorized the superintendent to use fund balance money to cover the cost of student meals until next steps can be determined with county commissioners.
There has recently been heated social media discussion and community pushback on a district policy that went into effect this school year, capping middle and high school students’ balances at $10. The policy meant if students exceeded the cap, they were unable to get a school meal.
School board members Ron Payne and Matt Brauer voted against the motion.
“How is that necessary?,” Brauer asked of the motion. “Twenty-something students or 20 accounts [exceeding the cap] and we’re going to give free lunches to the entire district?”